unmanned aerial vehicles (drones)

Unmanned Aerial

Vehicles (Drones)

BackgroundFirst powered UAV made in 1916U.S. Air force started looking into UAV

technology in 1959Can be piloted remotely or autonomously todayUnmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV)

developed in the 90’s and carry weaponry

Important Design AspectsThe degree of autonomy- refers to how

“intelligent” a UAV isEndurance- refers how long a UAV can

stay in flight

Military ApplicationReconnaissance and intelligence gatheringCombat missions United States Drone Attacks in Pakistan

Commercial Application

Remote Sensing- can be equipped with electromagnetic, chemical, and biological sensors

Surveillance- observe forest fires, monitor livestock, pipeline security, anti-piracy, and policing

SignificanceNew wave of technology for the futureWide range of possible applicationsRevolutionizing warfare

References“Unmanned Aerial Vehicle." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Apr. 2013.

Web. 15 April15, 20132013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle.

"Drone Attacks in Pakistan." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Apr. 2013. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drone_attacks_in_Pakistan.

Valdes, Robert. "How the Predator UAV Works." HowStuffWorks. Discovery, 1 Apr. 2004. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. http://www.howstuffworks.com/predator.htm.